The myriad impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are vast and far-reaching, even to this day. While many companies are moving back to a traditional in-office work model, the number of people still working remotely or in a hybrid structure remains high. SR/A is one of those companies. As a team, we all meet up regularly for in-person staff meetings etc. but for many of us, our home offices serve as our primary work environment. Today’s blog explores the thought processes and design decisions our creative and talented team members take to make their own workspaces unique, functional, and beautiful. After all, good design is important even when it comes to your desk and office chair!
Ergonomics Matter: It may look a mess but my office is a hard working space. I have never had a better office than my current home office. Everything I need is right there at hands reach. I bought a beautiful leather desk from Bernhardt that has a nice warm touch and is at the correct height. Most of us don’t realize that a desk is actually higher than a table such as a dining table for example. An inch can make all the difference to your back and neck. I also have a phenomenal task chair. It is the Nightingale CXO Heavy Duty Executive chair, made for long term computer use. It is adjustable in every directions, incredibly well designed and ultra comfortable. I also love my opened shelves with trays and file organizers. They are right at my hand, not drawer to open – very convenient and quick access to the folders. Then of course I have my favorite paintings, which makes for a awesome background during zoom calls, a table lamp for ambience and orchids, my favorite flowers. All in all, I am happier and more productive here than in any of my previous offices during my career.
Sabine Roy, SR/A President & CEO
Inspiration is Everywhere: Even if you are not in a creative industry having moments of inspiration in an office setting is vital. Everyone needs that spot in their work space where they can “zone off” to while working a complex idea or troubleshooting a problem through in their head. It could be art, it could be a beautiful view or it could be a really fantastic wallcovering. For me, it’s reminders of my favorite color – purple! Your mind and eyes need a visual break throughout the day – smart design incorporates those moments of inspiration and quiet into a productive work space.
Jennie Crouch, SR/A Vice President
Simplicity can be King: As a documentation manager for an interior design firm, my personal workstation can’t compare to my design-savvy co-workers in terms of aesthetics. There is a small rectangular desk in the corner of the room, with few distractions. What I can pride myself on, however, is how efficient the space is. The desk is small and simple to allow for all the tools I use to help make our designs the best they can be are within reach, whether it be the 3D printers that let us produce accessories tailored to our client’s needs, or virtual reality headsets that lets my team see our designs from a new perspective. While the setup is quaint, its capabilities are anything but.
Paul Gorokhov, SR/A Documentation Manager: Photo Courtesy of Unsplash
Don’t Forget About Color & Greenery! When it comes to my workstation, I like to include elements of comfort and warmth. I prefer to keep it minimal with a pop of color and greenery for inspiration. I also think it’s essential to invest in a decent ergonomic office chair to support the back and sitting posture throughout the long hours we spend. I picked a stylish desk with drawers to match the aesthetic of my space for cohesiveness and provide storage that is much needed. For a change, I set up a reading nook right next to my desk with a cozy lounge chair to use when I take coffee/tea breaks. Also, for my visitors, most of the time my kids! to snack or work on an activity while enjoying my company.
Amina Elshaer, SR/A Junior Designer
Functional Space Planning Matters: My husband also works from home a few days a week. We recently completed a full gut renovation on a house built in 1941. While we didn’t add a ton of new square footage, the spaces we did add-on to included our new primary bedroom and adjoining office. Lots of natural light gives the space a tree-house vibe, while a pocket door does double duty of hiding our desks at the end of the day and has no encroaching footprint in the room which gives us more real estate in terms of space. Lastly, sit/stand desks and good earphones allow us both to work comfortably in a small but highly functional space.
Sarah Dick, SR/A Junior Designer
When in Doubt Accessorize: As someone in student housing, I’ve had to get creative to make my space efficient and enjoyable. I placed my desk in this corner to not only allow for more space in the room but to also capitalize on the view. The furniture in my personal workspace was not my choice. However, adding a personal touch with accessories has made this space comfortable and exciting. I now find joy in working here daily. It is a space where I can be productive and inspired.
Tabitha Williams, SR/A Intern
Comfort helps Productivity: The most important feature of my home office is a comfy chair to spend my day in. Since most of our workdays are taking place at our desks, I wanted to make sure comfort was a top priority. I decided to go with a chair that could swivel, to get in and out easily. As someone who tends to spend most of their day cross legged, this seat is designed perfectly for users who enjoy sitting this way. This chair has been a great addition to my home office space and makes my work day better.
Connor Seiger, Staff Designer
Add in Personally Significant Items to Make it Uniquely Your Space: In my home office, I have a vintage 72″ manual sit-to-stand desk with a task chair. I prefer lamp light to overhead light, so I have a pink lamp that adds a pop of color. On the wall, I have framed painted scenes of the Dutch countryside that I brought home with me from my last trip to the Netherlands. I am also an avid Baltimore Orioles fan, so I have an aerial photograph of the inaugural game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 3, 1992. Finally, I have a phonograph next to my desk that also has radio capability. I like to listen to classical, rock n’ roll, and Motown records while I work. Music helps me think.
Jack Tintle, SR/A Business Development Associate
Natural and Biophilic Elements Create Serenity: My home workstation embodies the perfect blend of functionality and comfort, with natural elements and my personality. From a simple laptop stand to dual monitors and a keyboard and mouse setup, every piece contributes to this area, designed for productivity. But what truly ties it all together is the presence of natural light, green plants, and a planted aquarium. These elements transform my workspace into more than just a desk; It becomes a calm place where creativity flourishes and stress melts away.
Flavio Lucas, SR/A Architectural Specialist
Zoning is key in a Multipurpose Space: My home office resides in a little corner in the basement of our house. Besides my office corner, the basement primarily exists as a recreation area for my children which means that even though I try to keep my desk clean, it often plays host to toys, art supplies, and on occasions various bottles of fingernail polish on days when my youngest insists that I take moment to paint her nails. The best part about this area is that the furniture set up keeps my space defined (the basement floor plan is completely open) while also providing plenty of space for storage and work surfaces. However, when needed, the surrounding area allows me to spread out. For instance, I can layout an entire project’s worth of material finishes so that I can see everything at once. For me having a flexible workspace that can grow and change with me is extremely important.
Amy Hinds, SR/A Design Manager
